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California Fish and Game Commission Shoots Down Toxic Ammunition

State Approves New Regulations to Protect Endangered California Condor from Ongoing Threat of Lead Poisoning

(12/07/2007) -

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Today the California Fish and Game Commission
took historic action by requiring the use of non-lead ammunition in an effort to
reduce lead poisoning of critically endangered
California condors. Lead poisoning is the primary cause of
death among North
America’s largest birds.
Condors and other scavengers suffer lead poisoning when they ingest lead bullets
or bullet fragments from animal carcasses shot with this toxic
ammunition.

“We applaud the commission for taking this
important regulatory action to protect California’s iconic condor from lead poisoning—the species’
most substantial obstacle to recovery,” said Pamela Flick,
California program coordinator for Defenders of Wildlife.
“The commissioners have taken a significant step toward protecting our
endangered wildlife and the public from this highly toxic substance,” said
Flick.

The new regulations will cover the current and
historic range of the California condor, which encompasses a roughly
horseshoe-shaped region from Big Sur, south to Ventura and east through the southern
Sierra
Nevada. All hunting of
big game, non-game mammals and non-game birds in the affected area will require
the use of non-lead centerfire ammunition. The new regulations will go into
effect on July 1, 2008.

“The struggle
to bring the critically endangered California condor back from the brink of
extinction has gone on for years,” said Flick. “The Fish and Game Commission
deserves our thanks in staying true to their mission to ensure the long-term
sustainability of our state’s fish and wildlife resources, and in doing so help
ensure that condors will continue to soar over California for future generations
to enjoy.”

Defenders of Wildlife
is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural
communities. With more
than one million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a
leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for
generations to come. For more
information, visit www.defenders.org.

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Contact(s):

Pamela Flick, (916) 203-6927Kim Delfino, (916) 201-8277

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